United States Department of Agriculture

National Agricultural Statistics Service

Florida Crop Progress
and Condition Report
Cooperating with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the UF/IFAS Extension Service
Southern Region, Florida Field Office · 851 Trafalgar Court Suite 310 E · Maitland, FL 32751 · (407) 648-6013 ·(855) 271-9801 FAX
www.nass.usda.gov

This report contains data collected each week from respondents across the state whose occupations provide them opportunities to discuss agricultural
production with farmers in their counties as well as to make visual observations. We thank all who have contributed to this report.

September 8, 2020 Media Contact: Mark Hudson

General
According to the National Agricultural Statistics
Service in Florida, there were 6.3 days suitable for
fieldwork for the week ending Sunday, September 6,
2020. Precipitation for the state ranged from trace
amounts of rain in multiple locations to 7.5 inches in
Dade City (Pasco County). The average mean
temperature ranged from 76.4°F in Glen St. Mary
(Baker County) to 87.2°F in Bahia Honda State Park
(Monroe County).
Citrus
The citrus growing region experienced seasonably warm
temperatures, with daily highs in the low to mid 90s. The
highest recorded temperature was 94°F reported by both
the Lake County and Sebring (Highlands County)
stations. Moderate rainfall was widespread, with the
most precipitation occurring in Lakeland (Polk County),
with 4.1 inches, and in Plant City (Hillsborough
County), with 3.6 inches. According to the September 3,
2020, U.S. Drought Monitor, most of the citrus growing
region remained drought free, though portions of the
western and southern areas remained under abnormally
dry conditions.
Crops
A variety of fruits and vegetables were planted and
marketed. Vegetable growers continued to prepare for fall
planting in the southern peninsula. Some farmers laid
plastic in preparation for planting winter crops. Sporadic
rain showers in parts of the Panhandle affected some
farmers’ ability to harvest peanuts. Some peanut
producers continued to fight leaf spots and pod rot. Hay
was cut and baled in the Panhandle and northern
peninsula. Scattered showers caused some flooding in
parts of the peninsula. Corn harvesting continued in the
northern peninsula and Panhandle. Sugarcane planting
continued with more expected before harvesting in the
next few weeks.
Livestock and Pastures
Cattle and pastures remained in mostly good condition
throughout the state.

Next season’s fruit progressed well. Early oranges were

about tennis ball size to baseball size, while Valencia
oranges were approximately tennis ball size. Grapefruit
were softball size or larger. Grove activities included
mowing, spraying herbicides, fertilizing, removal of
dead trees, and general grove maintenance. Irrigation ran
in areas that received lesser amounts of rainfall. Field
workers reported low water levels in ditches along the
Indian River.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Soil Moisture for Week Ending 09/06/20 Crop Progress for Week Ending 09/06/20
Crop stage Prev year Prev week This week 5 Year avg
Topsoil Previous week This week
(percent) (percent) (percent) (percent)
(percent) (percent) Cotton - Bolls Opening .... 34 22 30 36
Peanuts - Dug ................. 12 13 22 12
Very short ............ 1 0
Peanuts - Harvested........ 3 5 13 7
Short.................... 4 10
Adequate ............. 80 75
Surplus ................ 15 15
Condition for Week Ending 09/06/20
Very
Crop Poor Fair Good Excellent
poor
(percent) (percent) (percent) (percent) (percent)
Cattle .......................................................
0 2 17 61 20
Cotton……………… 0 1 20 78 1
Pasture & range .......................................
1 2 18 58 21
Peanuts……………. 0 0 31 67 2

mrcc.isws.illinois.edu/CLIMATE
September 1, 2020 (Released Thursday, Sep. 3, 2020)
https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.